Deluxe & Superior First Class Hotels - 8 or 9 Day Coach Tour
This tour gives a wonderful overview of Ireland including a Catamaran Cruise of Killary Fjord and ending with a lively show of traditional Irish music, songs and step-dancing. Also included are tours to Kylemore Abbey, the Blarney Woollen Mills and the tour highlight of the Ring of Kerry renowned the world over for it’s stunning scenery.
Day 1: Dublin Tour & Book of Kells
The tour will begin at Dublin Airport with a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight is later than noon, you will need to transfer to the hotel at your own expense.
At 2:00 pm you will meet with your tour director will show you Dublin’s River Liffey, O’Connell Street, St. Stephen’s Green, the seat of government at Leinster House, public buildings and various other places of interest. See some of Dublin’s famous Georgian houses and pause at the poignant Famine Memorial, which acts as a constant reminder of the mid-19th century disaster. We advise you to visit Trinity College’s campus and the Old Library to view the Book of Kells. Join your fellow travellers and guide for a welcome drink at the hotel. Your dining option for tonight is up to you but your guide will be happy to advise.
Day 2: Clonmacnoise Monastic Site & Galway
On day 2 you will leave Dublin and travel across Ireland’s heartland to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran. You will see elaborate high crosses as well as many church ruins and round towers on your journey. You will then drive to Galway and view the main sights of the city before checking into your hotel.
Enjoy some free time to browse around Galway’s fun specialty stores, cafés and pubs on your own before dining in your hotel later that evening. (B, D)
Day 3: Tue: Connemara & Catamaran Cruise
Day 3 includes a drive through the heart of Connemara, past granite hills and sparkling lakes on the way to Leenane to embark on a short cruise of Killary Harbour which is a 9-mile fjord (Apr 8 – Oct 28 departures only). Once you have explored the stunning sights, you will then rejoin your coach and stop for photos at the Kylemore Abbey Visitor Centre. A lovely drive to Clifden through the Irish countryside awaits. Why not stop and take a walk around before returning to Galway? (B, D)
Day 4: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney’s Jaunting Car
On the fourth day, you will travel south around Galway Bay to see the Cliffs of Moher. Next you will drive through the outskirts of Limerick and stop in the picturesque village of Adare for photos. Once you have completed, the drive to Killarney will commence. Killarney is a little town that is world-known thanks to its exquisite location beside the famous lakes and mountains. After you have checked in to your deluxe hotel you may head out to view stunning scenery by taking a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National Park to Muckross House. Once you have finished exploring, you will return to your hotel. (B, D)
Day 5: Ring of Kerry & Killeen House Restaurant
On day 5 you will be invited to explore County Kerry’s popular scenic drive (The Ring of Kerry ) with Ireland’s highest mountains on one side and a varied Atlantic coastline on the other. At the tip of the peninsula you will find the Skellig Experience , which explains the history of the region. Return through the attractive village of Sneem and stop at Moll’s Gap for panoramic views of Killarney before you return. Back in Killarney enjoy some free time before dinner. In the evening you will head to the award-winning Killeen House Restaurant for dinner. (B, D)
Day 6: Titanic Experience, Traditional Music Session & Waterford Walk
Today you will be driven to Cobh, which was the last port of call for the RMS Titanic. Deemed unsinkable at the time, the ship famously sank on it's maiden voyage. Visit the Titanic Experience and learn all about that ill-fated voyage. Drive along the coast to
the Marine Bar in Dungarvan for a creamy Irish coffee and an informal
traditional music session. Continue to Waterford and check into your
historic hotel, located on the waterfront of this ancient port city.
After dinner, take a fun walking tour around the narrow streets and
ancient buildings to discover Waterford’s long history. (B, D)
Day 7: Waterford Crystal & Taylor’s Three Rock
After breakfast tour the House of Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre to watch glass blowing and cutting and view the magnificent trophies on display. In nearby New Ross visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship. This is a replica of a 19th century vessel used to transport emigrants during the 1840’s Famine. Then travel north to your deluxe manor house hotel, which dates back to 1750 and set in extensive gardens. In the evening drive to a Dublin pub for dinner and a lively show with traditional Irish music, story-telling and step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 8: Depart for Home or Extra Day in Dublin
For those booked on the 8-day tour, you will receive a complimentary group transfer. These transfers are provided to Dublin Airport and are set to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon.
If you have booked our 9-day tour, spend an additional day in Dublin with an independent Dublin open-top bus tour pass (valid for 24 hours) plus a visit to Guinness or Jameson. (B)
Day 9: Homeward bound
You will receive a Taxi transfer to Dublin Airport on the final day. (B)
B=Breakfast, D=Dinner
Hotels on this trip
- Radisson Blu St Helens Hotel, Dublin (1 night)
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway (2 nights) or Castlecourt Hotel, Westport (2 nights) for Jul 28 & 30 departures
- The Malton Hotel, Killarney (2 nights)
- Granville Hotel, Waterford (1 night)
- Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin (2 nights)
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